ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROD BENDING

Abstract

The disclosed technology relates to a rod bending machine for use with a robotic surgical system in an operating room. The system which is capable to bend rods for surgeries directly in the operating room. The rigidity of the rods is such that the robotic arm alone would have to be huge to provide sufficient forces and torques. This invention introduces bending module integrated into robotic system which allows free bending of rods within limits required for surgeries.

Claims

1. A robotic surgical system for use in a surgical procedure, the system comprising: a robotic arm comprising an end-effector; an actuator for controlled movement of the robotic arm and positioning of the end effector; and a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a desired curvature of a skeletal structure of a patient; determine a position of each the two or more screws in the patient during the surgical procedure; and intraoperatively determine the desired curvature of an implantable rod based at least in part on the desired curvature of the skeletal structure and the position of the two or more screws placed in the patient during the surgical procedure.

2. The robotic surgical system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: position the end effector thereby positioning the rod relative to a bending apparatus; and send signals to the bending apparatus that cause the bending apparatus to bend the rod.

3. The robotic surgical system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: position the end effector and send signals to a bending apparatus thereby causing the bending apparatus to bend the rod, thereby creating a shaped rod.

4. The robotic surgical system of claim 1, wherein the desired curvature of the skeletal structure is determined pre-operatively.

5. The robotic surgical system of claim 1, wherein the position of each of the two or more screws is the patient is determined intra-operatively.

6. The robotic surgical system of claim 1, wherein the position of each of the two or more screws in the patient is determined using a navigation system.

7. The robotic surgical system of claim 6, wherein the position of each of the two or more screws in the patient is determined using a point device with the navigation system to identify the locations of the screws during the surgical procedure.

8. The robotic surgical system of 1, further comprising a rod fixation apparatus for grasping a rod.

9. The robotic surgical system of claim 8, wherein the rod fixation apparatus is arranged to be held by the end effector.

10. The robotic surgical system of 1, further comprising: a bending apparatus for bending a rod, the bending apparatus comprising: a force die; a bend die; a force transfer device that transfers energy from an actuator to the force die thereby causing a rod positioned between the force die and the bend die to bend around the bend die; and a fixation apparatus for releasably securing the bending apparatus to a robotic surgical system.

11. A robotic surgical system for performing surgery, the system comprising: a robotic arm comprising an end-effector; an actuator for controlled movement of the robotic arm and positioning of the end effector; and a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to: intraoperatively coordinate the bending of an implantable rod to produce a shaped rod based at least in part on a desired curvature of a skeletal structure and the position of each of two or more screws in the patient during the surgical procedure.

12. The robotic surgical system of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a desired curvature of a skeletal structure of a patient; determine a position of each the two or more screws in the patient during the surgical procedure; and intraoperatively determine the desired curvature of an implantable rod based at least in part on the desired curvature of the skeletal structure and the position of the two or more screws placed in the patient during the surgical procedure.

13. The robotic surgical system of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: position the end effector thereby positioning the rod relative to a bending apparatus; and send signals to the bending apparatus that cause the bending apparatus to bend the rod.

14. The robotic surgical system of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: position the end effector and send signals to a bending apparatus thereby causing the bending apparatus to bend the rod, thereby creating a shaped rod.

15. The robotic surgical system of claim 12, wherein the desired curvature of the skeletal structure is determined pre-operatively.

16. The robotic surgical system of claim 12, wherein the position of each of the two or more screws is the patient is determined intra-operatively.

17. The robotic surgical system of claim 12, wherein the position of each of the two or more screws in the patient is determined using a navigation system.

18. The robotic surgical system of claim 17, wherein the position of each of the two or more screws in the patient is determined using a point device with the navigation system to identify the locations of the screws during the surgical procedure.

19. The robotic surgical system of claim 8, wherein the rod fixation apparatus is arranged to be held by the end effector.

20. The robotic surgical system of 12, further comprising: a bending apparatus for bending a rod, the bending apparatus comprising: a force die; a bend die; a force transfer device that transfers energy from an actuator to the force die thereby causing a rod positioned between the force die and the bend die to bend around the bend die; and a fixation apparatus for releasably securing the bending apparatus to a robotic surgical system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0131] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0132] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example robotic surgical system in an operating room;

[0133] FIG. 2 is an illustration of how rods can be bent and implemented to correct the shape of a spine;

[0134] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a curvature that may be applied to a rod for use in correcting the shape of a spine;

[0135] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the undesirable features that may occur when manually bending rods;

[0136] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a passive bending module;

[0137] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a bending module before being inserted into a slot in the robotic system;

[0138] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an active bending module;

[0139] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a bending module on a cart;

[0140] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example analysis of the forces required to move a bending die of a bending module;

[0141] FIG. 10 is an illustrations of a fixed bending module;

[0142] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a floating module;

[0143] FIGS. 12A through 12H are illustrations of types of bending devices;

[0144] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example rod fixation apparatus;

[0145] FIGS. 14A through 14D are illustrations of example fixation apparatuses; and

[0146] FIGS. 15 through 29 are photographs of an example robotic surgical system for bending rods.

[0147] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0148] FIG. 1 illustrates an example robotic surgical system in an operating room 100. In some implementations, one or more surgeons, surgical assistants, surgical technologists and/or other technicians (e.g., 106a-c) perform an operation on a patient 104 using a robotic-assisted surgical system. In the operating room 100 the surgeon may be guided by the robotic system to accurately execute an operation. This may be achieved by robotic guidance of the surgical tools, including ensuring the proper trajectory of the tool (e.g., drill or screw). In some implementations, the surgeon defines the trajectory intra-operatively with little or no preoperative planning. The system allows a surgeon to physically manipulate the tool holder to safely achieve proper alignment of the tool for performing crucial steps of the surgical procedure. Operation of the robot arm by the surgeon (or other operator) in force control mode permits movement of the tool in a measured, even manner that disregards accidental, minor movements of the surgeon. The surgeon moves the tool holder to achieve proper trajectory of the tool (e.g., a drill or screw) prior to operation or insertion of the tool into the patient 104. Once the robotic arm is in the desired position, the arm is fixed to maintain the desired trajectory. The tool holder serves as a stable, secure guide through which a tool may be moved through or slid at an accurate angle. Thus, the disclosed technology provides the surgeon with reliable instruments and techniques to successfully perform his/her surgery.

[0149] In some embodiments, the operation may be spinal surgery, such as a discectomy, a foraminotomy, a laminectomy, or a spinal fusion, or orthopedic surgery, such as knee, shoulder, hip, leg, or ankle surgery. In some implementations, the surgical robotic system includes a surgical robot 102 on a mobile cart 114. The surgical robot 102 in the example shown in FIG. 1 is positioned in proximity to an operating table 112 without being attached to the operating table 112, thereby providing maximum operating area and mobility to surgeons around the operating table 112 and reducing clutter on the operating table 112. In alternative embodiments, the surgical robot 102 (or cart) is securable to the operating table 112. In certain embodiments, both the operating table 112 and the cart 114 are secured to a common base to prevent any movement of the cart or table 112 in relation to each other, even in the event of an earth tremor.

[0150] The mobile cart 114 may permit a user (operator) 106a, such as a technician, nurse, surgeon, or any other medical personnel in the operating room 100, to move the surgical robot 102 to different locations before, during, and/or after a surgical procedure. The mobile cart 104 enables the surgical robot 102 to be easily transported into and out of the operating room 100. For example, a user 106a may move the surgical robot 102 into the operating room 100 from a storage location. In some implementations, the mobile cart 114 may include wheels, a track system, such as a continuous track propulsion system, or other similar mobility systems for translocation of the cart. The mobile cart 114 may include an attached or embedded handle for locomotion of the mobile cart 114 by an operator (e.g., user 106a).

[0151] For safety reasons, the mobile cart 114 may be provided with a stabilization system that may be used during a surgical procedure performed with a surgical robot 102. The stabilization device increases the global stiffness of the mobile cart 114 relative to the floor in order to ensure the accuracy of the surgical procedure. In some implementations, the wheels include a locking device that prevents the cart 114 from moving. The stabilizing, braking, and/or locking device may be activated when the machine is turned on. In some implementations, the mobile cart 114 includes multiple stabilizing, braking, and/or locking devices. In some implementations, the stabilizing device is electro-mechanical with electronic activation. The stabilizing, braking, and/or locking device(s) may be entirely mechanical. The stabilizing, braking, and/or locking device(s) may be electronically activated and deactivated.

[0152] In some implementations, the surgical robot 102 includes a robotic arm mounted on a mobile cart 114. An actuator may move the robotic arm. The robotic arm may include a force control end-effector configured to hold a surgical tool. The robot 102 may be configured to control and/or allow positioning and/or movement of the end-effector with at least four degrees of freedom (e.g., six degrees of freedom, three translations and three rotations).

[0153] In some implementations, the robotic arm is configured to releasably hold a surgical tool, allowing the surgical tool to be removed and replaced with a second surgical tool. The system may allow the surgical tools to be swapped without re-registration, or with automatic or semi-automatic re-registration of the position of the end-effector.

[0154] In some implementations, the surgical system includes a surgical robot 102, a tracking detector 108 (e.g., navigation system) that captures the position of the patient and different components of the surgical robot 102, and a display screen 110 that displays, for example, real time patient data and/or real time surgical robot trajectories.

[0155] In some implementations, a tracking detector 108 monitors the location of patient 104 and the surgical robot 102. The tracking detector 108 may be a camera, a video camera, an infrared detector, field generator and sensors for electro-magnetic tracking or any other motion detecting apparatus. In some implementation, based on the patient and robot position, the display screen 110 displays a projected trajectory and/or a proposed trajectory for the robotic arm of robot 102 from its current location to a patient operation site. By continuously monitoring the patient 104 and robotic arm positions, using tracking detector 108, the surgical system can calculate updated trajectories and visually display these trajectories on display screen 110 to inform and guide surgeons and/or technicians in the operating room 100 using the surgical robot. In addition, in certain embodiments, the surgical robot 102 may also change its position and automatically position itself based on trajectories calculated from the real time patient and robotic arm positions captured using the tracking detector 108. For instance, the trajectory of the end-effector can be automatically adjusted in real time to account for movement of the vertebrae and/or other part of the patient 104 during the surgical procedure. An example robotic surgical system that may be used with the disclosed technology or modified for use with the disclosed technology is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/266,769, filed Apr. 30, 2014 and entitled Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Precise Guidance of Surgical Tools, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0156] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a passive bending module 500, for example, without actuators therein (e.g., no active parts). Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-cut of a portion of a robotic surgical system 502 and a bending module 500. The bending module 500 is a passive device having no active parts (e.g. actuators). This allows the device to be easily sterilized in an autoclave. The module contains a bending element 504 (i.e., force transfer device) which is moved by a linear actuator 506. The module is fixed partially inside robot (e.g., inside a mobile cart of the robotic surgical system). A quick fixation apparatus automatically fixes itself in the desired position after insertion and requires a deliberate action to be removed. In this example, the linear actuator is inside the mobile cart of the robot 502. Thus, in certain embodiments, the linear actuator 506 does not need to be sterile. A sterile drape 512 can include a passageway 510 to allow the bending module 500 to extend therethrough to separate the sterile environment from the non-sterile environment. An example of a sterile drape 512 and the types of drape passages 510 that can be used herein to allow portions of the bending module 500 to be inside the sterile environment and outside the sterile environment are described in described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/602,627, filed Jul. 27, 2015 and entitled “Sterile Drape and Adapter for Covering a Robotic Surgical Arm and Preventing Contamination of a Sterile Field,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0157] FIG. 6 illustrates the bending module 600 right before being inserted into slot in the robotic system 602. In certain embodiments, the disclosed technology includes a sterile drape 612 with a sleeve or hole 610 which allows for passing the bending module 600 through the drape 612 so that it can securely couple to the robot 602. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 610 of the drape 612 is sealed using sterile tape (e.g., such that the sleeve is secured tightly around a portion of the bending module). The tape may be wrapped around the sleeve 610 to seal the sleeve 610. In some implementations, the sleeve 610 is part of the sterile drape 612. In some implementations, the sleeve 610 is separate from the drape 612 and the interface between the sleeve 610 and the sterile drape 612 is sealed using sterile adhesive tape or another sterile adhesive material.

[0158] In certain embodiments, a sterile adapter is used to secure the drape to the robot around the opening in the drape that allows the bending module to be connected to the robot.

[0159] The sterile adapter may be a disposable (e.g. a single-use product). For example, a new sterile adapter may be used for every surgical procedure. In some implementations, the sterile adapter is a rigid or semi-rigid device. It may be made from a hard plastic, polymer, or a composite material. In some implementations, the sterile adapter secures a drape over a surgical robot to prevent contamination of a sterile field.

[0160] The sterile adapter may include a rigid or semi-rigid collar (e.g., ring or a hollow cylindrical structure) configured to mount (e.g., snap-mount) onto an interface of the surgical robotic arm. The sterile adapter may include a rigid or semi-rigid body extending from the collar and shaped to conform to a portion of the surgical robotic arm to tightly secure a flexible drape in place (e.g., with no folds) over the portion of the surgical robotic arm when the drape is attached to the adapter.

[0161] In some implementations, the body is one or more tabs (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 tabs) that engage an interface on the robot. The tabs may “click” into the interface to provide easy and secure mounting of the sterile adapter, and hence sterile drape, on the robot. The sterile drape may be glued or welded to the sterile adapter (e.g., during manufacturing). The adapter 200 ensures that the drape is tightly stretched over the tool holder and robot interface to provide repeatable and rigid positioning of the tool holder relative to the robotic arm. The sterile drape can be coupled, via glue or welding, to a sterile adapter. In some implementations, the sterile drape is glued or welded to the sterile adapter. After the welding/gluing dries the part of the drape inside the sterile adapter is stretched. The sterile drape can be tightly stretched over the opening of the sterile adapter (e.g., the opening through which the bending module passes to connected to the robot). When the sterile adapter is attached to the robot (e.g., clicked into the interface on the robot), the robot will be covered by the sterile drape that is stretched over the opening of the sterile adapter. As described below, in some implementations, positioning elements and a tightening screw will protrude through the opening of the sterile adapter and piece the sterile drape when the tool support is applied to the robotic arm.

[0162] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an active bending module 700. Sterility of the active bending module 700 can be achieved by using drapes and sterilizable elements. Additionally, a sterilizable electric motor can be used, such as the EC 19 Brushless DC Motor from Maxon Motor AG of Sachseln, Switzerland.

[0163] An active bending module 700 has actuators built in. It is fixed to the robot 702 using a fixation apparatus 704. The fixation apparatus 704 can be magnetic, electro-magnetic, mechanical (e.g. using lever device). In certain embodiments, there is no need for a strong fixation between the robot 702 (e.g., mobile cart) and the bending module 700. During bending most of the large forces and reactions happen within the bending module and do not transmit to the fixation. The positioning of the bending module in reference to the robotic system shall be known by the surgical system (e.g., the robotic surgical system's computer and/or navigation system). This can be achieved by placing the module 700 in a known, pre-determined position, relative to the cart (e.g. using positioning pins, rails, etc.) and/or identifying the position of the module 700 using a navigation marker 708 or by driving robotic arm manually to one or more known points on the bending module 700 to register the position of the bending module 700.

[0164] The bending module 700 can be connected to the cart of the robot 702 using, in certain embodiments, a connection cable. In certain embodiments, a mechanical connection is used to actuate the bending module 700. The connection cable 706 can provide power to bending module actuators, actuate them directly, or just send relevant data to bending module internal electronics/logic. In certain embodiments, the movement of the bending element inside bending module 700 is synchronized with movement of the robotic arm.

[0165] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the bending module 800 can be placed on the separate cart 802 as shown in the Figure above. The cart can be fixed to the robot 802 (e.g., mobile cart of the robot 802) using a fixation apparatus as described above. The precise position of the bending module 800 (navigation, robot registration) can be determine similar manners as described above regardless of the location of the bending module 800. Bending module 800 on the cart uses connection cable 806 for the similar purpose. As shown in FIG. 8, a rod 812 can be held by the robot 802 and inserted in the bending module 800 by the robot 802 so the rod 812 can be bent.

[0166] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example analysis of the forces required to move a bending die of a bending module a particular length depending on the material of the rod.

[0167] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a fixed bending module 1002. In this example the bending module 1002 is fixed and/or at least partially integrated directly into the robot 1000 (e.g., mobile cart). A rod fixation 1004 is attached to the robotic arm 1006 to grasp the rod 1008 such that the robotic arm 1006 can move the rod 1008 and precisely control the positioning of the rod 1008 within the bending module 1002.

[0168] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a floating bending module 1102. The bending module 1102 is coupled to the robotic arm 1106 and the rod fixation 1104 is connected or integral to the robot 1100 (e.g., mobile cart). The robotic arm 1106 positions the bending module 1102 along the rod 1108 in the appropriate places and the bending module 1102 is activated in these locations to bend the rod 1108 to the appropriate shape.

[0169] FIGS. 12A through 12H illustrate various types of bending devices. For example, the bending device used in the bending module may be a compression bending device, a rotary draw bending device, a ram bending device, or a three-roll bending device as shown in FIGS. 12A through 12D respectively.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 12A, compression bending utilizes a fixed bending die 1242 and a clamp 1244 and 1246 on each end of the rod 1202. One of the clamps (e.g., 1246) is moved thereby forcing the rod 1202 to bend around the bending die 1242 (e.g., up to 180 degrees). In certain embodiments, a compression bending module can bend, twist, and lift an extrusion simultaneously to create unique shapes.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 12B, rotary draw bending utilizes a stationary or sliding pressure die 1220 and clamping block 1222 to hold a rod 1202 in place. A round bending die 1224 is rotated (e.g., up to 90 degrees) thereby bending the rod 1202 as it rotates. Using this method a rod 1202 can only be bent one radius at a time. The round bending die 1224 can be powered by hydraulics. A mandrel or other component can be incorporated to grip the rotary die 1224 such that creasing or misshaping of the rod 1202 is prevented. A wiper die 1226 is angled slightly off parallel from the workpiece to ensure the die's edge makes full contact with the tube just before the tangent point of the tube's inner radius.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 12C, ram bending uses a ram 1210 to force the rod 1202 on a pressure/bending dies 1212a-b. A ramming die 1210 pushes the rod 1202 onto the pressure dies 1212a-b, forcing the rod 1202 into the desired bended form.

[0173] A shown in FIG. 12D, three-roll bending pushes the rod 1202 around three different rolls 1232a-c placed in a triangular shape. The rolls 1232a-c are adjusted to form a precise angle, up to a 360-degree rotation, that can roll horizontally or vertically. The rod 1202 curves and bends as it is moved across the rollers 1232a-c. In certain embodiments, two of the rollers (e.g., 1232a and 1232c) are stationary and the third roller (e.g., 1232b) is a power roller that can be moved to change the bend radius.

[0174] FIGS. 12E through 12H illustrate additional bending modules. The rod 1202 is shown extending through the bending module 1250 prior to bending and the bent portion is shown after bending and labeled as 1252. The force dies 1254 are used to apply a force to the rod thereby bending the rod. The arrows show the direction of the forces that can be applied in the examples shown.

[0175] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example rod fixation apparatus 1300. The rod fixation apparatus 1300, in certain embodiments, is used to securely hold the rod 1302. The rod fixation apparatus 1300 can be attached to the robot and integrated into the robot. In certain embodiments, the rod fixation apparatus 1300 is releasably secured to the mobile cart. In other embodiments, the rod fixation apparatus 1300 is releasably secured to the robotic arm. The arm can move the rod fixation apparatus 1300 and hence the rod 1302 secured therein to the appropriate positions such that the rod 1302 is bent in the desired configuration. This allows the bending device to be a simple device that simple bends a rod 1302. The determination of where and how to bend the rod 1302 can be done outside of the bending module itself and the robotic arm can position the rod 1302 and activate the bending module to produce the appropriately shaped rod 1302. FIGS. 14A though 14D illustrate example rod fixation apparatuses 1400 and specifically the device by which the rod fixation apparatus 1400 securely holds the rod 1402.

[0176] FIG. 15 is a photograph of an example robotic surgical system with a bending module. As shown in this photograph, the rod fixation is attached to the robotic arm and the bending module is attached to the mobile car. Other orientation and/or connection points are available as well. For example, the rod fixation may be secured to the mobile cart and the bending module may be secured to the robotic arm.

[0177] FIG. 16 is a photograph of a rod being inserted touch-free (e.g., without being touched by the user's hands) into the rod fixation on the robotic arm. In this example, the rod is inserted into the rod fixation using pliers.

[0178] After inserting the rod into the rod fixation, the rod fixation is tightened to secure the rod therein as shown in FIG. 17. In this example, two bolts are tightened to secure the rod therein. In other examples more or less bolts are used or other grasping devices are used.

[0179] FIG. 18 is a photograph of the robotic surgical system moving the rod into the bending module so that it can be bent. In FIG. 19 the robotic surgical system has inserted the rod into the bending module and is being advanced to the appropriate location so it can be bent. FIG. 20 is a photograph of the bending module bending the rod. The robotic surgical system advances the rod, bends the rod, and repeats this process as shown in FIGS. 20 through 23 until the desired shaped rod is created. For example, the robotic arm advances the rod a determined distance into the bending module, the bending modules bends the rod, and then the robotic arm advances the rod a second determined distance. This continues until the desired shaped rod is create. Cutting of the rod by the bending module can be automatic.

[0180] The rod is cut after the rod is bent into the desired shape. As shown in FIG. 24 the rod can be cut manually. In certain embodiments, a cutting device is integrated into the bending modules. In some implementations, instead of cutting the rod the rod fixation is loosened as shown in FIG. 25 such that the rod can be removed. After the rod is cut or the rod fixation is loosened, the rod can be removed as shown in FIG. 26.

[0181] FIG. 27 is a photograph of a rod bent using the disclosed technology to provide smooth bends. FIG. 28 is an illustration of a rod bent using the disclosed technology. As shown in FIG. 28, the disclosed technology can be used to provide rods bent with a small bend radius even in tough materials such as CoCr+. FIG. 29 is an illustration of a rod bent using the disclosed technology to produce a rod with a three-dimensional curve.

[0182] In view of the structure, functions and apparatus of the systems and methods described here, in some implementations, a system and method for performing surgery with a robotic surgical system are provided. Having described certain implementations of methods and apparatus for supporting a robotic surgical system, it will now become apparent to one of skill in the art that other implementations incorporating the concepts of the disclosure may be used. Therefore, the disclosure should not be limited to certain implementations, but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.

[0183] Throughout the description, where apparatus and systems are described as having, including, or comprising specific components, or where processes and methods are described as having, including, or comprising specific steps, it is contemplated that, additionally, there are apparatus, and systems of the disclosed technology that consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited components, and that there are processes and methods according to the disclosed technology that consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited processing steps.

[0184] It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain action is immaterial so long as the disclosed technology remains operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously.